Supply chain networks are recognised as the organisational form that assures business sustainability through supply continuity. Supply chain management is a fundamental skill in today’s competitive business environment, and organisations that excel in this function see the benefit in their performance. This module will provide you with an in-depth insight into supply chain theory, design and best practice, taking into account issues such as ethics, sustainability and risk management. This will enable you to question and reflect upon your own organisation and its role in the supply chain.
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05 Nov 2022 |
Apr 2023 |
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Registration closes 13/10/22 (places subject to availability) Click to register
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06 May 2023 |
Oct 2023 |
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Registration closes 13/04/23 (places subject to availability) Click to register
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This module is expected to start for the last time in November 2024.
What you will study
This online module is designed for those who want to gain a sound knowledge of, and insight into, supply chain management. It will appeal to supply chain professionals as well as managers in other professions.
You'll be provided with an in-depth insight into the theory, problems, solutions, and best practice in the area of supply chain management. You'll have opportunities to question and reflect upon your own organisation and its role in the wider supply chain. It will also help you to develop your ability to identify opportunities for improvement of product design, manufacturing processes, sourcing strategies, and market development.
This module is made up of the following nine units:
- Unit 1 introduces you to the core concepts of supply chain management and reviews how supply chain management has become a fundamental function for organisations in today’s business environment.
- Unit 2 focuses on the performance objectives of supply chains and on two particular types of supply chain – lean supply chains and agile supply chains – looking at how performance is measured in each of them.
- Unit 3 gives you an insight into supply chain design concerning how organisations optimise control and performance through either vertical integration or outsourcing processes and activities.
- In Unit 4 you'll participate in a practical simulation of managing a typical, but simplified, supply chain and learn from the challenges you encounter in attempting to address the problems generated by supply chain dynamics. This work will be assessed through a reflective tutor-marked assessment that will encourage you to relate your knowledge and experience to theory and identify the challenges of implementing best practice.
- The four subsequent units cover supply chain relationships; sustainability from environmental, ethical and economical perspectives; risk and the actions that managers take to avoid loss from unforeseen events, and supply chain costs and financial issues.
- In the final unit you'll study in more depth the supply chains within three specific areas including the public sector, the mining sector and automotive sector.
The module aims to develop an understanding of:
- the nature of supply chain management, and approaches to address the relevant business decisions in this area.
- supply chain management theories, including supply chain dynamics, supply chain risk management, and supplier relationship management
- the impact of the external context on supply chain decision making, including internationalisation and globalisation, current social and technological changes, and government policies and regulation.
- the challenges of implementing supply chain solutions in context.
You will learn
On completion of the module you will:
- understand what is meant by supply chain management and the activities involved in its effective practice
- understand the concept of supply chain dynamics, be aware of the potential solutions to demand amplification and the difficulties of implementing effective solutions
- be aware of the types of supply chain risk, their impact on supply chain effectiveness and organisation viability
- conduct analysis of supply chains to identify strengths and weaknesses in their design and performance
- demonstrate reflective and critical thinking by writing reports that investigate, analyse and critique supply chain practices.
- understand the challenges of your own supply chain practice.
Entry
You will need to ensure that you have the knowledge and experience to study at postgraduate level. Please note that if you wish to study this module as part of a qualification you must meet the entry requirements for that qualification and any requirements regarding the order of study.
The module requires 150 hours of study over six months.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Qualifications
BB849 is an optional module in our:
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our excluded combination finder or check with an adviser before registering.
If you have a disability
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Other alternative formats of the module materials may be available in the future.
Elements of this module are delivered online and include the use of real-time online discussions and an interactive whiteboard space; consequently time spent using a computer and the internet will be extensive. If you use assistive technology or have a hearing or speech impairment and have concerns about accessing this type of virtual environment and materials you can visit the system provider's website for information and contact The Open University to discuss it further before registering.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Study materials
What's included
An extensive variety of specially written resources presented in different media (print and online) and designed exclusively for this module, audio-visual material, published articles, case-studies, a set of interactive tools to help you develop your management thinking abilities and access to The Open University library.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11), or macOS (10.15 or higher).
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop as described above.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your assignments and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. You will contact your tutor by telephone, email or via your tutor group forum on the BB849 website.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.
You must use the online eTMA system to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs).
Students also studied
Students who studied this module also studied at some time:
Future availability
Supply chain management starts twice a year – in May and November. This page describes the module that will start in May 2022. We expect it to start for the last time in November 2024.
How to register
To register a place on this module return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.